Observations on a royal visit
The royal family now seems unable to go anywhere or do anything without causing trouble. Next month, Prince Andrew is due to open the new Jurassic Pier in the Dorset fishing village of West Bay, near Bridport. His visit has triggered a spectacular starburst of class warfare. West Bay has seen nothing like it since the TV series Harbour Lights was filmed there by Nick Berry, who also played the gritty role of harbour master.
The real harbour master, Tony Preston, is at the centre of the current storm. Elizabeth Gale, who runs guided tours of the resort, has written to Bridport Council demanding that Preston get himself a proper naval uniform instead of slopping around in scruffy civvies. "On the several occasions when I have seen him it is difficult to distinguish him from any workman around the harbour," she wrote. "Surely with such a fine new pier and the planned visit of HRH Prince Andrew, the harbour master should be seen to be appropriately dressed."
Locals have been outraged. Gale was known for her fancy headgear and abrasive management style when she ran the local Melplash agricultural show, causing one correspondent to the local paper to refer to "her of the big hats".
"If Mrs Gale wants a Nick Berry lookalike," wrote another correspondent, "I'm sure there are agencies that would supply such a beast in time for the 'royal' visit. Meanwhile, the rest of us are more than happy with our erudite and intelligent employee." A third correspondent weighed in: "There was a time when the harbour master did run around blowing whistles . . . But this was when there was a harbour foreman and a team of workers who drove the tractor, moved the mooring chains, lifted boats in and out . . . This is all done now by one man and his assistant. Whilst they might wish to pose for the adoring public in braid and scrambled eggs, they have to get on with the day to day running of the harbour."
Another correspondent offered to donate the harbour master a tricorn hat if his critics stumped up for a uniform "so that when he's sorting out the anchor chains at low water, he could look up and salute the local dignitaries as he sinks slowly into the mud".
"People have been very rude about the hats," Gale replies. "They don't understand how important they are at agricultural shows. For instance, gentlemen will wear bowlers not just out of respect for the occasion but because they're useful for keeping things in - like the rosettes - to leave his hands free for other duties. I wasn't being personal about Mr Preston. How could I be when I'm from three generations of fishermen on this coast?"
Post this article to
We want to encourage people to comment on our content and to exchange views with other readers and hope this will be done on a courteous basis. However, if you encounter posts which are offensive please let us know by emailing comments@newstatesman.co.uk and we will take swift action where necessary.
